The ‘best’ podcast listening app just got better

Pocket Casts, the paid app with more than half a million podcasts, is retooling its listening experience. An update to the popular app adds Siri Shortcuts support, improved search and discovery features, and a browse-and-play option without having to subscribe to a show.

Created eight years ago, the app was purchased earlier this year by a group of powerhouse public radio networks. Combined, they fuel more than 210 million podcast downloads per month, executives say.

Without today’s update, many reviewers already considered Pocket Casts the best podcasts app around.

Wired called it “the podcast app every iPhone user needs.” The Verge named it the best podcast app for Android. And trade website Podcast Insights rated the app “awesome” for people who listen to a lot of different podcasts.

Pocket Casts: The best podcasts app?

Pocket Casts was purchased in May by a collective that includes NPR, WNYC Studios, WBEZ Chicago and This American Life, four of the top podcast publishers.

“(We) wanted the best podcast platform available for our listeners and want to evolve it into an even more sophisticated platform for listeners and producers,” said Laura Walker, CEO of New York Public Radio. “This overhaul illustrates how we’re delivering on that promise and offering both new and existing listeners a better experience.”